More random jottings - on a theme

[Barry Arrowsmith]

--- In the_old_crowd at yahoogroups.com, "Amanda" <exslytherin at ...> wrote:
>
> 
> I agree, the book is almost entirely devoid of sexuality. The only 
> two places it appears is the epilogue (the trio have kids so by 
> default they've had sex) and at the hint at unwanted sexual terror in 
> Fenrir's delight at getting to devour Hermione.
> 

A bit blunted by the scene at the end of HBP where it's Harry that he's
slavering for a nibble at.

But yes, it's probably Victorian literary code - the vampire/werewolf 
bite as ersatz thrills for the sexually repressed.

> It seems to me (without taking anytime to go back a look) that Fenrir 
> is the only character that is overtly sexual in the saga even though 
> it's well hidden behind the references to eating and devouring. 
> Although, on a side note, I did have a hope that Bellatrix might get 
> to use her hinted at sexuality by compromising one of the younger 
> male characters; Neville or Ron. But that is beside the point. ;-)
> 

La Bella Dame Sans Merci... yes, I had hopes, nay vivid images, of
what a plotmeister could do with that armful. Quite brought a
maidenly blush to my cheeks.

> 
> It's my sense JKR deliberately kept the two couple; Harry/Ginny and 
> Ron/Hermione apart or distracted enough so they were unable to 
> consummate their partnerships and she didn't have to deal with 
> writing it.  But how wonderful would it have been to have one of the 
> couples sneak a night outside at the Burrow?  All the reader would 
> need to see is the awkwardness the following day; the slight blushes 
> and furtive looks.  We grown ups would have got it. ;-)
> 

Again Victoriana -plenty of healthy outdoor activity to keep their minds
occupied - and on the occasions when they're indoors Molly makes sure
there's no opportunity for hanky-panky. It got tedious, it was all so 
un-natural and eventually it seemed so contrived. Surprised there wasn't
a plot requirement for Harry and Ron sup a bromide nightcap and to wear 
boxing gloves in bed.

Kneasy